Beverage cooling system

ABSTRACT

Various systems, processes, and techniques may be used for cooling beverages. In one general implementation, a beverage cooling system may include a pump, a cooling subsystem, and a control subsystem. The pump may circulate a coolant that is used to keep a beverage in a python cool, the cooling subsystem may extract heat from the coolant to keep it cool, and the control subsystem may monitor the coolant temperature and control the cooling subsystem. The cooling subsystem may include a cooling block, a thermoelectric cooler, a heat distributor, a heat pipe assembly, a fin assembly, and a fan. The cooling block may be adapted to receive the coolant and receive heat therefrom. The thermoelectric cooler may be thermally coupled to one side of the cooling block and adapted to extract heat from the cooling block.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/161,118, entitled “Beverage Cooling System” and filed on May 13, 2015. This prior application is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many beers are thought to be better when served cold. Thus, many restaurants and bars include a refrigeration system for keeping kegs of beer cold (e.g., in a refrigerated enclosure). However, the conduit that conveys the beer from the refrigerated kegs to the serving faucet (typically in an insulated python) may sometimes be quite long, especially if the refrigeration system is located in a back room. Thus, any beer that is left in these conduits will warm over time.

Some attempts to overcome the conduit warming problem include using a cooling system for the conduits. These systems may, for example, cool a glycol/water mixture in a bath using typical refrigeration equipment (e.g., compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator, and fan), a circulation pump for the glycol, and temperature controls. The function is to circulate the glycol mixture at around 30 degrees F. inside the insulated python in lines that are in contact with the beer conduits to keep the beer at approximately 36-38 degrees F. all the way to the faucet until dispensed. The purpose of the cooling is typically not primarily to cool the beer, but to keep it from getting warm.

There is a significant market for smaller bars and restaurants that would prefer a remote system but do not have the capital or room for one. Most bars and restaurants would prefer a remote draft beer system over a keg box in the bar area, as they would rather use the keg box to cool bottle beer or other products. Additionally, a keg box uses valuable space inside the bar, and carting kegs in and out of the bar area is undesirable. Smaller venues usually opt for a keg box, however, because overall it is much cheaper.

On top of being the more expensive option, the existing remote cooling system requires special power to be installed and a location for the power pack, which can typically be at least half the cost of the equipment package and a significant portion of the installation and utility costs. Moreover, the power pack is noisy, messy, puts off a lot of heat, uses up valuable space, requires significant maintenance, and is usually difficult to get to work on.

There are a couple techniques of getting around the power pack. One is using cooler air to keep the python cold and not use a power pack all. Running an air shaft system is one option. This is a tube about 2 inches in diameter or more run inside a larger tube, usually at least 4 inches in diameter, that is insulated. The beer conduits are run in the inner tube from the cooler to dispense tower. A blower inside the cooler blows cooler air into this inner tube where it follows the beer product conduits to the head then thru ducting returns back to the cooler in the outer tube. This is not as cheap or easy as it may sound, and in most bars, it is almost impossible to do because it requires running ductwork around the underbar equipment. Another option is to take a reservoir and a pump and circulate water thru a radiator type heat exchanger to cool the water in the beer cooler and pump it into a standard beer python where it circulates with the beer conduits to the tower. The problem with this is that even if the cooler is working properly (e.g., it has not gone into defrost), it is very difficult to get the water/glycol mixture down to anywhere near the 30 degrees F. needed to maintain the beer at 36-38 degrees F.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various systems, processes, and techniques for cooling beverages are disclosed. In one general implementation, a beverage cooling system may include a pump, a cooling subsystem, and a control subsystem. The pump may circulate a coolant that is used to keep a beverage in a python cool, the cooling subsystem may extract heat from the coolant to keep it cool, and the control subsystem may monitor the coolant and control the cooling subsystem.

The cooling subsystem may include a cooling block, a thermoelectric cooler, a heat distributor, a heat pipe assembly, a fin assembly, and a fan. The cooling block may be adapted to receive the coolant, allow it to circulate therethrough, and receive heat therefrom. The thermoelectric cooler may be thermally coupled to one side of the cooling block and adapted to extract heat from the cooling block. The heat distributor may be thermally coupled to the thermoelectric cooler and adapted to spread the extracted heat over a larger area. The heat pipe assembly may include a plurality of pipes adapted to receive the heat from the heat distributor and convey the heat to distal ends of the heat pipes, where the fin assembly may receive the heat. The fan may be adapted to generate an airflow through the fin assembly to carry away heat from the fin assembly.

The system may also include a first conduit adapted to carry cooled coolant from the cooling block towards a beverage python, and a second conduit adapted to carry cooled coolant back into the system from the python. Additionally, a temperature sensor adapted to detect the temperature of the coolant in the second conduit may be included.

The control subsystem may be coupled to the thermoelectric cooler and the temperature sensor. The control subsystem may be adapted to vary the power to the thermoelectric cooler based on the temperature of the coolant in the second conduit.

In certain implementations, the fan may be adapted to couple to a housing to suspend the cooling subsystem therein.

Some implementations may include a second thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the opposite side of the cooling block from the first thermoelectric cooler, a second heat distributor thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric cooler to spread heat therefrom over a larger area, a heat pipe assembly adapted to receive heat from the second heat distributor, and a fin assembly adapted to receive the heat from the second heat pipe assembly. In these implementations, a coupling assembly may be adapted to couple the first heat pipe assembly to the second heat pipe assembly such that the thermoelectric coolers are suspended inside the coupling assembly.

Various implementations may include one or more features. A beverage cooling system may have a very small, lightweight package. Moreover, the system may be as quiet as a desktop computer and use about as much power as a 100 watt light bulb when at full power. Thus, the system may not require an additional electrical circuit to be run because it uses less than 1 amp of current, and it can plug into almost any available outlet. Moreover, thermoelectric coolers may be thermally isolated from components of other than the cooling block and the heat distributors, which may increase their efficiency.

A variety of other features will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed description and claims, along with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate selected components of an example beverage cooling system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example process for a beverage cooling system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example controller for a beverage cooling system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate an example beverage cooling system 100. Among other things, system 100 includes a coolant pump 110, a cooling subsystem 120, and a control subsystem 140. In general, coolant pump 110 circulates a coolant (e.g., a glycol/water mixture) through cooling subsystem 120, which extracts heat from the coolant. The coolant is then routed into a beverage python (not shown) where it flows next to beverage (e.g., beer) conduits to the proximity of a dispensing faucet. (The system can work with standard python/dispense tower systems, and it can readily be modified to work with most any python/dispense tower system.) The coolant is then routed back to system 100. Among other things, control subsystem 140 monitors the coolant temperature to adjust the amount of heat being extracted from the coolant by cooling subsystem 120.

Coolant pump 110 may be any of a variety of type of pumps for circulating a liquid. In particular implementations, coolant pump 110 may have variable operating speeds. Coolant pump 110 may, for example, be an SC-300T, which is available from SYSCOOLING Technology Co. of Shijiazhuang, Hebei (China).

Coolant pump 110 is coupled to cooling subsystem 120 by a first conduit 160 a. Cooling subsystem 120 includes a cooling block 122, thermoelectric coolers 124, thermal distributors 126, heat pipe units 128, cooling fin units 130, and fans 132.

Cooling block 122, which is coupled to conduit 160 a, provides a circulation path for coolant from coolant pump 110. Cooling block 122 may, for example, include a serpentine path and/or a number of fins with holes in them, through which the coolant flows through. These help to increase the area of the cooling block with which the coolant comes into contact. As illustrated, the cooling block is approximately 1.5 inches square by 0.5 inches deep, with 0.325 inches inlet/outlet fittings. Cooling block 122 may have other dimensions in other implementations. Cooling block 122 may, for example, be made of aluminum or any other appropriate material.

On either side of cooling block 122 are thermoelectric coolers 124. Thermoelectric coolers 124 operate according to the Peltier effect and transfer heat from one side to the other (e.g., away from cooling block 122), which cools the coolant. In particular implementations, thermoelectric coolers 124 may be solid-state Peltier devices. An example thermoelectric cooler is the TEC1-12706, which is available from Hebei I.T. Co., Ltd. of Shanghai (China). In operation, passing a current through thermoelectric coolers 124 causes heat to transfer from one side to the other, typically producing a temperature differential of around 40 degrees C. By controlling the current (e.g., by pulse width modulation), the amount of heat transfer can be controlled. As illustrated, thermoelectric coolers 124 are approximately 30 mm square and about 3 mm thick. Thermoelectric coolers 124 may have other dimensions in other implementations.

In more detail, a Peltier device operates by a difference in the Fermi level between two conductors that are placed in electrical contact with one another. Electrons flow out of the conductor in which the electrons are less bound into the conductor in which the electrons are more bound. The Fermi level represents the demarcation in energy within the conduction band of a conductor such as a metal, between the energy levels occupied by electrons and those that are unoccupied. When two conductors with different Fermi levels make contact, electrons flow from the conductor with the higher Fermi level until the change in electrostatic potential brings the two Fermi levels to the same value. This electrostatic potential is known as the contact potential. Electrical current passing across the junction between the two conductors results in either a forward or a reverse bias, resulting in a temperature gradient. If the temperature of the hotter junction (known as the heat sink) is kept low by removing the generated heat, the temperature of the colder junction (known as the cold plate) can be cooled by tens of degrees.

Each of thermoelectric coolers 124 is thermally coupled to one of thermal distributors 126. Thermal distributors 126 are adapted to spread the heat extracted by thermoelectric coolers 124 across a larger area. Thermal distributors 126 may be made of a material that has good thermal conduction properties (e.g., copper). In the illustrated implementation, thermal distributors 124 are approximately 0.125 inches thick.

Each of thermal distributors 126 is thermally coupled to one of heat pipe units 128. Each heat pipe unit 128 includes a number of pipes 129, each of which is generally U-shaped. Each unit 128 has a base for receiving its pipes 129. Pipes 129 are adapted to receive heat from heat distributors 126 and convey it to the elongated ends of the pipes.

In particular implementations, pipes 129 are copper tubes that are inner lined with sintered copper, which acts as a wick. The tubes are evacuated and filled with a liquid/gas mixture, such as argon, that uses phase change (i.e., from liquid to gas) to transfer heat from one part of the tube to the other almost instantaneously. Once the gas cools at the distal end of the pipe, it converts back to liquid form and wicks back to the bottom of the pipe due to capillary action.

The pipes 129 of each heat pipe unit 128 are pressed into one of cooling fin units 130 to allow heat to conduct thereinto. The fins of units 130 may, for example, be made of aluminum or other appropriate material.

Fans 132 move air over the fins of the units 130 to dissipate the heat therefrom into the ambient air. Fans 132 may be controllable.

In the illustrated embodiments, the housings of fans 132 include apertures 133 so that fans 132, along with the rest of cooling subsystem 120, may be mounted to a housing.

Cooling subsystem 120 also includes a coupling subsystem 134. Coupling subsystem 134 engages the bases of heat pipe units 128 and squeezes them against thermal distributors 126. The squeezing of heat pipe units 128 against thermal distributors 126, squeezes the thermal distributors 126 against thermoelectric coolers 124, which, in turn, squeeze against cooling block 122. Cooling subsystem 120 may be an integrated unit due to this compression, and this allows cooling block 122 to primarily contact thermoelectric coolers 124. In other implementations, thermoelectric coolers 124 may be physically coupled to cooling block 122 (e.g., by screws or bonding). As illustrated, coupling subsystem 134 is a vice bracket, but coupling subsystem 134 could operate by other techniques in other implementations.

A conduit 160 b is coupled to cooling block 122 to carry cooled coolant away from cooling subsystem 120. As mentioned previously, the cooled coolant is routed through a python to the vicinity of a dispensing faucet and back to system 100. A conduit 160 c receives the returning coolant, which probably has an elevated temperature, and conveys it to coolant pump 110. Conduits 160 may be made of metal, plastic, and/or any other appropriate material.

Control subsystem 140 includes a control board 142, which has a controller 144 for controlling system 100. Controller 144 may, for example, include a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or any other type of device for manipulating information in a logical manner. Instructions for controller 144 may be encoded in memory and/or on the processor.

Control subsystem 140 also includes a number of sensors for receiving data about various aspects of system 100. For example, control subsystem 140 includes a coolant temperature sensor 146 and an air temperature sensor 148, which are coupled to control board 142. Coolant temperature sensor 146 may, for example, be digital thermometer, such as the DS18B20 from Maxim Integrated of San Jose, Calif. (USA). Control board 142 is also coupled to coolant pump 110, thermoelectric coolers 124, and fans 132 to controllably supply power thereto. Control board 142 is further coupled to a display 150 (e.g., LCD or LED) to present messages thereon.

In the illustrated implementation, conduit 160 c includes a metallic section (made of copper in the example) at which temperature sensor 146 may sense the temperature of the returning coolant. In other implementations, conduit 160 c may or may not have a metallic section.

In operation, temperature is not controlled by a thermostat but by controller 144. Through temperature sensor 146, controller 144 monitors the temperature of the returning coolant and thereby determines the overall temperature of the inside of the python. Controller 144 makes decisions on the amount of power to supply to the thermoelectric coolers 124 in order to maintain a constant temperature in the python. Thus, the cooling does not cycle on and off like a conventional refrigeration system. Instead, controller 144 constantly adjusts the power (e.g., using pulse wave modulation) to maintain temperature under varying heat loads. Controller 144 also makes decisions about the speeds of fans 132 and adjusts them as needed (e.g., slowing them down when not under a heavy load, which may make the system virtually silent when it is down to temperature). Controller 144 also monitors the fan speeds, pump speed, and ambient room temperature, allowing the controller to alert the operator if there is a problem with the unit or the surrounding atmosphere (e.g., beer cooler temperature).

Upon initial start up, controller 144 may instruct the components of system 100 (e.g., thermoelectric coolers 124 and fans 130) to operate at a high capacity (e.g., 100%). If the temperature of the coolant falls below an acceptable level (e.g., 32 degrees F.), the power to the thermoelectric coolers may be reduced. The controller may then monitor the coolant temperature to see how it reacts. The controller may then make further adjustments to the power for the thermoelectric coolers (e.g., up or down) to try to keep the coolant temperature continually around an a desired level (e.g., 32 degrees F.). By continuing to adjust the power to the thermoelectric coolers, controller 144 may find a steady-state for the power to the thermoelectric coolers after a few minutes.

In certain modes of operations, controller 144 may maintain the coolant temperature close to a desired temperature (e.g., within a few degrees F.) while it determines the steady state power for the thermoelectric coolers. For example, assume the steady state operating power for the thermoelectric coolers is 67%. Thus, if the thermoelectric coolers are being operated at full power, the coolant temperature will begin to fall, and the controller may decide to reduce the power to the thermoelectric coolers by half (e.g., to 50%). When the coolant temperature then begins to rise (e.g., by more than 0.25 degrees F.), the controller may increase the power to thermoelectric coolers (e.g., to 100%) to maintain the desired temperature. Once the coolant has reached the desired temperature, the controller may reduce the power to the thermoelectric coolers to 75%. Once the temperature continues to fall, the controller may reduce the power (e.g., to 25%) to maintain the desired temperature. Once the desired temperature is achieved, the controller may set the power to the thermoelectric coolers to 62.5%. When the temperature begins to rise, the controller may set the power to the thermoelectric coolers to 100% to reestablish the desired temperature. The controller may then set the power to the thermoelectric coolers to 68.8%. The controller may continue this cycle of monitoring the coolant temperature and making adjustments until it reaches the steady state of 67%.

In certain implementations, the speed of fans 132 may be based on the power being supplied to thermoelectric coolers. For example, when the supplied power reaches a threshold (e.g., 70%), the fan speed may be cut to 50%. This may increase fan life and provide very quiet operation for system 100. Other implementations may use additional levels of fan speed based on the power being supplied to the thermoelectric coolers.

During steady-state operation, thermoelectric coolers 128 and fans 132 may be adjusted by controller 144 depending on the heat load being applied to the python. For example, if the python suddenly starts experiencing a high heat load, due to the ambient air in the establishment increasing, for example, the power supplied to the coolers and/or fans may be increased.

For instance, if the last two points that the controller used to find the steady-state operating power of 67% were 66% and 68%, and the coolant temperature began to rise, the controller could reset the upper bound by an amount (e.g., 20%) and begin hunting for a new steady-state operating power between 66% and the new upper bound (e.g., 88%) using the above procedure. In certain implementations, the upper bound could be set to a maximum (i.e., 100%), and/or the lower bound could be set to a minimum (e.g., 0%).

In particular implementations, controller 144 also performs a variety of other functions to ensure that system 100 operates correctly. For example, controller 144 may monitor and display the status of the fans 132, the coolant pump 110, the coolant temperature, and the ambient air temperature. If anything malfunctions in the system, controller 144 may generate a flashing warning on the display 150 that indicates which component is malfunctioning. Controller 144 may also monitor the air temperature of a cooler in which system 100 is located and warn the operator (e.g., on display 150) if the cooler is too cold or too warm. Controller 144 may also maintain a rolling average (e.g., 24 hour) of the cooler temperature to ensure the cooler remains below 40 degrees F. long enough to keep the kegs at the proper temperature, and the cooler does not spend too much time too cold, which can over carbonate the kegs. This aids the operator and service technician in troubleshooting issues with the beverages.

System 100 has a variety of features. For example, system 100 uses thermoelectric cooling in a very small, lightweight package. Dimensions may, for example, be 12 inches×9 inches×4 inches, and weight may be about 8 pounds. Moreover, system 100 may be as quiet as a desktop computer and use about as much power as a 100 watt light bulb when at full power. Thus, system 100 also does not require an additional electrical circuit to be run because it uses less than 1 amp of current, and it can plug into almost any available outlet. Moreover, thermoelectric coolers 122 are not thermally coupled to other components of system 100 other than cooling block 122 and heat distributors 126. Thus, thermoelectric coolers 124 are thermally insulated from the heat effects of other components.

Although system 100 illustrates an example beverage cooling system, a variety of components may be added, deleted, and/or rearranged while still achieving a beverage cooling system. For example, a thermoelectric cooler may only be located on one side of cooling block 122. Additionally, instead of having one thermoelectric cooler on each side of cooling block 122, each side may include a number of thermoelectric coolers. For example, three thermoelectric coolers may be placed side by side with each other on each side of the cooling block. As another example, a temperature sensor may be located on coolant line 160 b.

Various versions of system 100 are possible. For example, one version may be designed to run in ambient room temperature and another may be designed to be mounted on a cooler wall next to the pressure regulators for the beer kegs to take advantage of the 38 degrees F. ambient temperature. When used with wine, which is 10 degrees F. warmer, system 100 will probably function well in the higher ambient temperature without using multiple cooling modules. So the same unit will work in both applications. For beer applications, system 100 may be mounted in the cooler where there is lower ambient temperature, and it can operate more efficiently and achieve lower coolant temperature. A main difference between these two types environments is the programming of the controller, where the target is 42 degrees F. for the coolant instead of 32 degrees F. When used for beer in an ambient environment, the system may require 4-6 thermoelectric coolers, a larger cooling block, larger thermal distributors, four heat pipe/fin assemblies and a larger power supply.

System 100 may be sized depending on application. For example, for increased cooling power, cooling block may be made larger in length and width and additional thermoelectric coolers may be used. For example, the cooling block may be 4.75 inches long and 6 thermoelectric coolers may be used on each side.

Although system 100 has primarily been discussed with respect to beer, system 100 can be used for remotely dispensing other beverages as well (e.g., wine). The primary difference for wine is the temperature is maintained at 45 degrees F. for white wine, and the python has a separate insulated area not in contact with the glycol that will maintain approximately 60 degrees F. for red wine.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example process 200 for cooling a beverage. Process 200 may, for example, be implemented by a controller similar to controller 144 in system 100.

Process 200 calls for storing a high power for one or more thermoelectric coolers (e.g., 100%) as a first power (P1) and storing a low power for the thermoelectric cooler(s) (e.g., 1%) as a second power (P2) (operation 204). As discussed above, a beverage cooling system may include zero or more thermoelectric coolers on each side of a cooling block.

Process then calls for determining whether the coolant temperature is high (operation 208) or low (operation 212). Determining whether the coolant temperature is high or low may, for example, be accomplished by comparing feedback from a thermometer on a return coolant line against a stored reference temperature.

If the coolant temperature is high, process 200 calls for setting the second power to the current power to the thermoelectric cooler(s) (operation 216). If, for instance, the system was just turned on, the current power to the thermoelectric cooler(s) may be the low power. Process 200 also calls for running the thermoelectric cooler(s) at the high power (operation 220). This will cause the coolant to arrive at its desired temperature the fastest.

While the thermoelectric cooler(s) are being run at the high power, process 200 calls for determining whether the coolant temperature is acceptable (operation 224). The coolant temperature may be acceptable if it is within a certain range of the desired (e.g., ±0.25 degrees F.). If the coolant temperature is not acceptable, process 200 calls for continuing to run the thermoelectric cooler(s) at the high power (operation 220).

Once the coolant temperature becomes acceptable, process 200 calls for reducing the power to the thermoelectric cooler(s) to between the first power and the second power (operation 228). For example, the power could be reduced to the midpoint between the first power and second power.

Process 200 then returns to determining whether the coolant temperature is high (operation 208) or low (operation 212). If the coolant temperature is high, process 200 may again set the current power to the second power (operation 216) and run the thermoelectric cooler(s) at the high power (operation 220) to maintain the coolant temperature near the desired.

If, however, the coolant temperature is low (operation 212), process 200 calls for setting the first power to the current power for the thermoelectric cooler(s) (operation 232). If, for instance, the system was just turned on, the current power to the thermoelectric cooler(s) may be the high power. Process 200 also calls for running the thermoelectric cooler(s) at the low power (operation 236). This will cause the coolant to arrive at its desired temperature the fastest.

While the thermoelectric cooler(s) are being run at the low power, process 200 calls for determining whether the coolant temperature is acceptable (operation 240). The coolant temperature may be acceptable if it is within a certain range of optimal (e.g., ±0.25 degrees F.). If the coolant temperature is not acceptable, process 200 calls for continuing to run the thermoelectric cooler(s) at the low power (operation 236).

Once the coolant temperature becomes acceptable, process 200 calls for increasing the power to the thermoelectric cooler(s) to between the first power and the second power (operation 244). For example, the power could be increased to the midpoint between the first power and second power.

Process 200 then returns to determining whether the coolant temperature is high (operation 208) or low (operation 212). If the coolant temperature is low, process 200 may again set the current power to the first power (operation 232) and run the thermoelectric cooler(s) at the low power (operation 236) to maintain the coolant temperature near the desired.

Process 200 may, for example, be run during the initial startup or a restart of a beverage cooling system to find the steady-state power for the thermoelectric cooler(s). By finding the steady-state power, the system may be able to achieve its lowest power mode and control the coolant temperature to within tight tolerances (e.g., ±1 degree F.).

Although FIG. 2 illustrates an example process for cooling a beverage, other processes for cooling a beverage may include fewer, additional, and/or a different arrangement of operations. For example, a process may cease altering the power to the thermoelectric cooler(s) once the first power level and the second power level are within a certain range of each other (e.g., 1%). As another example, a process may allow for restarting the hunting process if the steady-state power level is no longer appropriate (e.g., be resetting the first power level to the high power and the second power level to the low power). In particular implementations, multiple operations may be performed contemporaneously and/or simultaneously.

As noted above, in certain implementations, a process similar to process 200 may be used if the steady-state operation of the thermoelectric cooler(s) begins to not provide appropriate cooling (e.g., too hot or too cold). For example, as a restaurant becomes busy, the ambient temperature may rise, which may cause the coolant temperature to rise. Process 200 may be modified in this situation by setting the first power to a higher power (e.g., +20% or 100%) or the second power to a lower power (e.g., −20% or 0%), depending on whether more or less cooling is required. This will allow the hunting process illustrated in process 200 to again restart and find the new steady state power for the thermoelectric cooler(s).

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of systems, methods, and computer program products of various implementations of the disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which can include one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or the flowchart illustration, and combination of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems the perform the specified function or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware environment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or an implementation combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of a computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this disclosure, a computer readable storage medium may be a tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc. or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions that implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

FIG. 3 illustrates selected components of an example controller 300 for controlling an beverage cooling system. Controller 300 may, for example, be part of a controller located in a beverage cooling system. Controller 300 includes a processing unit 310, memory 320, an input/output system 330, a communication interface 340, and a display device 350, which are coupled together by a network system 360.

Processing unit 310 may include one or more processors for calculating data. A processor, for example, be a microprocessor, which could, for instance, operate according to reduced instruction set computer (RISC) or complex instruction set computer (CISC) principles, a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array, or an application specific integrated circuit. In general, processing unit 310 may be any device that manipulates information in a logical manner.

Memory 320 may, for example, include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and/or disc memory. Various items may be stored in different portions of the memory at various times. Memory 320, in general, may be any combination of devices for storing information.

Memory 320 includes instructions 322 and data 324. Instructions 322 may, for example, include an operating system (e.g., Windows, Linux, or Unix) and one or more applications, which may be responsible for monitoring coolant temperature and adjusting power to one or more thermoelectric coolers. Data 324 may also include data from the temperature sensors for the coolant and/or the ambient air as well as the operational history of the thermoelectric cooler(s).

Input-output system 330 may, for example, include one or more user interfaces. A user interface could, for instance, include one or more user input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a keypad, a touchpad, a stylus, a mouse, or a microphone) and/or one or more user output devices (e.g., a speaker). In general, input-output system 330 may include any combination of devices by which a controller can receive and output information.

Communication interface 340 allows controller 300 to communicate with other electronic devices (e.g., temperature sensors, thermoelectric cooler(s), etc.). Communication interface 340 may, for example, be a network interface card (whether wireless or wireless), a modem, a UART, or a serial port.

Display device 350 is responsible for visually presenting data acquired by and/or generated by processing unit 310. Display device may, for example, be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, or a projector. Display device 350 may, for example, be local with or remote from processing unit 310.

Network system 360 is responsible for communicating information between processor 310, memory 320, input-output system 330, communication interface 340, and display device 350. Network system 360 may, for example, include a number of different types of busses (e.g., serial and parallel).

In certain modes of operation, controller 300 may determine whether the temperature of a beverage coolant is too low or too high (e.g., by monitoring input from a temperature sensor). If, for example, the coolant temperature is too low, the controller may reduce the power to one or more thermoelectric coolers. If the temperature is too high, the controller may increase the power to the thermoelectric cooler(s). The controller may also adjust the speed of the fans. For example, if the beverage cooling system is operating in a high power mode, the controller may set the fan speed to high. If the beverage cooling system is in a steady state mode, the fan speed may be reduced (e.g., to 50%).

Controller 300 may implement any of the other procedures discussed herein, to accomplish these operations.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in the this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups therefore.

The corresponding structure, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present implementations has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the implementations in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The implementations were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application and to enable others or ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various implementations with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. On the contrary, various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications, alternatives, and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A beverage cooling system comprising: a pump to circulate a coolant; a cooling subsystem including: a cooling block adapted to receive the coolant, allow it to circulate therethrough, and receive heat therefrom; a thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to one side of the cooling block, the thermoelectric cooler adapted to extract heat from the cooling block; a heat distributor thermally coupled to the thermoelectric cooler, the heat distributor adapted to spread the extracted heat over a larger area; a heat pipe assembly comprising a plurality of pipes adapted to receive the heat from the heat distributor and convey the heat to distal ends of the heat pipes; a fin assembly adapted to receive the heat at the distal ends of the pipes; and a fan adapted to generate an airflow through the fin assembly to carry away heat from the fin assembly; a first conduit adapted to carry cooled coolant from the cooling block towards a beverage python; a second conduit adapted to carry coolant back into the system from the beverage python; a temperature sensor adapted to detect the temperature of the coolant in the second conduit; and a control subsystem coupled to the thermoelectric cooler and the temperature sensor, the control subsystem adapted to vary the power to the thermoelectric cooler based on the temperature of the coolant in the second conduit.
 2. The beverage cooling system of claim 1, wherein the fan is adapted to couple to a housing to suspend the cooling subsystem therein.
 3. The beverage cooling system of claim 1, wherein the cooling subsystem further includes a second thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the opposite side of the cooling block from the first thermoelectric cooler, a second heat distributor thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric cooler to spread heat therefrom over a larger area, a second heat pipe assembly adapted to receive heat from the second heat distributor, and a fin assembly adapted to receive the heat from the second heat pipe assembly.
 4. The beverage cooling system of claim 3, further comprising a coupling assembly adapted to couple the first heat pipe assembly to the second heat pipe assembly such that the thermoelectric coolers are suspended inside the coupling assembly.
 5. The beverage cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor adapted to detect the temperature of the ambient air, wherein the controller is adapted to monitor the ambient air to ensure proper beverage temperature.
 6. The beverage cooling system of claim 1, further comprisinga display coupled to the control subsystem, the display adapted to present message regarding the system.
 7. The beverage cooling system of claim 1, wherein the control subsystem is adapted to determine a steady-state power for the thermoelectric cooler by adjusting the power to the thermoelectric cooler over a decreasing range while using a high power and a low power outside of the range to maintain the temperature of the coolant.
 8. A beverage cooling system comprising: a pump to circulate a coolant; a cooling subsystem including: a cooling block adapted to receive the coolant, circulate it therethrough, and receive heat therefrom; a first thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to one side of the cooling block, the thermoelectric cooler adapted to extract heat from the cooling block; a first heat distributor thermally coupled to the thermoelectric cooler, the heat distributor adapted to spread the extracted heat over a larger area; a first heat pipe assembly comprising a plurality of pipes adapted to receive the heat from the heat distributor and convey the heat to distal ends of the heat pipes; a first fin assembly adapted to receive the heat at the distal ends of the pipes; a first fan adapted to generate an airflow through the fin assembly to carry away heat from the fin assembly, the fan adapted to couple to a housing to suspend the cooling subsystem therein; a second thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to another side of the cooling block, the thermoelectric cooler adapted to extract heat from the cooling block; a second heat distributor thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric cooler, the second heat distributor adapted to spread the extracted heat over a larger area; a second heat pipe assembly comprising a plurality of pipes adapted to receive the heat from the second heat distributor and convey the heat to distal ends of the heat pipes; a second fin assembly adapted to receive the heat at the distal ends of the second pipes; a second fan adapted to generate an airflow through the second fin assembly to carry away heat from the second fin assembly, the fan adapted to couple to a housing to suspend the cooling subsystem therein; and a coupling assembly adapted to couple the first heat pipe assembly to the second heat pipe assembly such that the thermoelectric coolers are suspended inside the coupling assembly; and a first conduit adapted to carry cooled coolant from the cooling block towards a python; a second conduit adapted to carry coolant back into the system from the beverage python; a temperature sensor adapted to detect the temperature of the coolant in the second conduit; a control subsystem coupled to the thermoelectric coolers and the temperature sensor, the control subsystem adapted to vary the power to the thermoelectric coolers based on the temperature of the coolant in the second conduit; a temperature sensor adapted to detect the temperature of the ambient air; and a display coupled to the control subsystem, the display adapted to present messages regarding the system's status. 